Kakamega demolish Mbarara: Barbarians show class as they lay down marker in first day of competition

Kakamega High Chrisant Ojwang of Kakamega School in action against Mbarara High School during FEASSSA games at Comboni Vocational Institute, Gulu, Uganda.[Correspondent]

Kenyans hoping to retain East Africa school games rugby title.

Kakamega High School’s Barbarians began the Brookside East Africa Secondary Schools 15s rugby title defence on a high with an emphatic 69-14 win over homeboys Mbarara as this year’s games began yesterday in Gulu, Uganda.

Despite being guests at Comboni Vocational Institute, the Kenyans owned the ground, called the shots and scored tries at will as disappointed home fans watched in disbelief.

Boasting six regional titles, the Barbarians showed class proving why they are indeed the most successful 15s rugby playing school in the region.

With a seventh title at stake, they knew too well that playing in a round robin format every win and every point counts and they went full throttle to ensure that they laid down the marker.

Chrisant Ojwang set Kakamega on course to victory with two quick converted tries to give his side a 14-0 lead in the initial minutes of the game.

The hosts struggled to make an impact in the game as they battled to match Kakamega’s prowess, but were pinned in their own half.

Derrick Ashihundu, Barry Opondo and Timothy Omela all had their tries converted to give their side a comfortable 28-0 lead by the break.

On resumption, the Barbarians went on a rampage scoring more tries through Fredric Mwalati, Valerian Tendwa, Alvin Wanjala and Eugine Miyinzi as well as making successful conversions.

After minutes of fighting to break the opponents defence Mbarara finally touched down through Emmanuel Kwebilanga and Phillip Muhoozi with the former converting both tries.

Kakamega coach Amos Wamanga said that his charges should remain focused to avoid lapses in concentration in their subsequent games.

“We played well and were the stronger side but a lapse in defence so us concede some tries.

“We have to work on that as well as other aspects of the game in readiness for our next match,” Wamanga said.

In another 15s rugby clash former champions Laiser Hill launched their campaign with a 12-7 win over their Upper Hill counterparts.

The Kenyans scored through Johnstone Olindi and Joel Igunza.

Brian Kimani scored Upper Hill’s consolation try that was converted by Abutwalib Wesonga.

In hockey girls St Cecilia Misikhu played to a barren draw against St Joseph’s Kitale in a repeat of this year’s national final.

Kisumu Day and Upper Hill also played to a goalless draw in the boys contest.

In another match national champions St Anthony’s Kitale announced registered a resounding 5-0 victory against hosts St Mary’s Kisubi.